YOU SURVIED THE HOLIDAYS! OR DID YOU?

Now that the holidays are behind us, it gives us a chance to reflect upon the how you did. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years: These times can bring out the worse and best in people. They can be very stressful times for us, and can challenge your anger management skills.

• Were your holidays stressful?

• Did you have to “tolerate” certain family members?

• Looking back, are there certain situations or instances you wish you would have handled differently?

Managing our anger during stressful seasons can be difficult and at times we may find ourselves losing control. One thing we can learn in an anger management class is how to learn from our past mistakes and how to adopt different coping strategies. The purpose is to look back at maladaptive patterns and replace them with more adaptable ways of handling situations and ourselves.

It is never too late to learn from past mistakes or apologize if you feel you reacted inappropriately to someone. It is much better to go back to the person and talk about what happened, rather than ignore the issue entirely. Creating open communication can really go a long way with making things better. Admitting you were wrong and accepting responsibility is also something we learn in anger management classes and it is one step closer to managing your anger. So, do not ever say “it’s too late” because fixing relationships and learning how to cope more appropriately can be accomplished at anytime. It is relationships with others that are most important. Do not let the stress of the holidays get the best of you and if you are feeling sorry for something, there is no shame in going back to address it.

April Tominelli MS
Daybreak Cousneling Service
www.daybreakservices.com
twitter.com/angryinla
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